GM recently announced several new models for commercial van customers. All are currently open for ordering and should be in production by the end of November.

Chevrolet Astro and GMC Safari

The (PDG) option is orderable on the 1SC passenger van PEG.  This option is released for fleet and government orders.  By ordering (PDG) with the 1SC PEG, the following changes are made: vehicle will include AM/FM radio (9R2), body side cladding delete (9R4) and the base cargo van wheel and vinyl seating (9SI).  The vinyl seating is available in one color, medium dark pewter (92W).  (PDG) also deletes the following items from the 1SC PEG: remote keyless entry (AU0), chrome-clad styled-steel wheel (PC2) and luggage rack (V54).  Customers will receive a total credit of $942 when ordering this option.

Chevrolet Venture

1SA Passenger Van (RWB): This passenger model is being offered to fleet customers as an alternative to the 1SV passenger model.  The 1SA includes more content than the 1SV, but maintains a competitive price position with other manufacturers.  Included in the base price of the van are power windows, cruise control and AM/FM radio.  Some of the available optional equipment includes remote keyless entry, aluminum wheels and a CD player, along with two different seating configurations.

1SC AWD Passenger Van (EWB): Up to now, AWD was only available on the upper trim level Venture vans, the LT and the Warner Brothers Edition models. The 1SC AWD brings the fleet customer the functionality of AWD at a competitive price. The 1SC AWD includes power windows, rear wiper, remote keyless entry and LS trim as standard equipment.  Some of the available optional equipment includes a rear parking aid, a luggage rack, power sliding doors and an AM/FM stereo with CD and cassette player.

1SF Cargo Van EWB: The cargo van will be re-introduced into the Venture line-up. This model is packaged to compete against the Ford Windstar, the only other FWD cargo entry in the marketplace.  The Venture cargo van will offer the customer a high degree of functionality at an affordable price. It will also include the following as standard equipment: power windows, power mirrors, rear wiper, remote keyless entry and front air conditioning. Some of the available optional equipment includes cruise control, a theft deterrent system, traction control and an AM/FM radio with CD player. The base MSRP for the cargo van will be $24,042.

American Isuzu Motors, Inc. recently announced the next model in its line of sport utility vehicles.

The 2003 Isuzu Ascender will begin production in September 2002 and will make its debut in dealer showrooms shortly thereafter. The automaker said that the new model will assume its place at the top of the Isuzu line following the tradition of the Trooper, which Ascender will replace as Isuzu's flagship.

Ascenders' 4.2L inline six-cylinder engine generates 270 hp and 275 ft-lbs of torque at 3,600 rpm. It will have a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The model will be available in two- and four- wheel drive, both with standard four-wheel disc brakes and ABS. It will ride on a 128.9-inch wheelbase, allowing for a third row of seats, which accommodates up to seven passengers comfortably. Other features include heated mirrors, roof rack, running boards, daytime running lamps, moisture-sensitive windshield wipers, dual-zone climate controls, overhead console, leather seats with heated front seats and driver's seat memory, front and rear side airbags, cruise control, on-board computer, Bose sound system and OnStar system.

Like all Isuzu SUVs, Ascender will be backed by a 10-year/120,000 mile powertrain limited warranty.

More details about the Ascender will be announced as information becomes available.

GM recently announced that the 1ST Commercial Décor Package is now available on all Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon and Yukon XL models. Previously, it was available on 1500 models only.

In addition, the new Special Equipment Options of Power Mirrors (5M1), Liftgate (5M3) and Carpet (7J1) are available on all 1ST-equipped vehicles.

For more information about the 1ST Commercial Décor Package and its contents, please visit the Fleet Library and select Purchasing News issue #119 dated September 4, 2001.

Beginning January 1, 2002, the optional standard rate for business use of a car will increase to 36.5 cents per mile, up almost 6 percent from 34.5 cents in 2001. The IRS said the increases are primarily due to increased gas prices over the past year.

Also increasing is the standard rate for vehicles used for medical purposes, which will be raised to 13 cents. The rate for vehicles providing services to charities will remain at 14 cents per mile.

The mileage rate is used to calculate tax deductions for business use as an alternative to annual deductions.

GM is touting the new 2003 Pontiac Vibe as a vehicle that defies classification. It offers a compact car-like interior and the features of a sports car, sport wagon and SUV all in one.

The Vibe sports a smoothly sculpted and muscular exterior, lending a fresh, distinctive look. The roofline features a unique, integrated roof rack that creates a singular fastback shape. Vibe also features Pontiac styling cues, such as vented front fascia with twin-port grille and recessed fog lamps. Multi-layer taillights, which bookend the liftgate/liftglass opening, provide character at the rear.

On the interior, Vibe features 40/60 split bench seats that fold flat at the push of a button to create a level load floor. The front passenger seat also folds flat to accommodate long objects. The vehicle is capable of packing 57.2 cubic feet of cargo within the numerous storage areas along with functional chrome tie-downs.

Chrome-trimmed gauges and red analog displays accent the instrument panel. An AM/FM radio with CD player will come standard, and can be upgraded to an in-dash 6-disc changer featuring a single load slot.

For safety and security, Vibe offers all-wheel drive, ABS, seat-mounted side airbags a full feature security system and OnStars' Navigation, Communication and Security System.

Under the hood is a standard 1.8L, 130-hp 4-cylinder engine with 125 lb-ft of torque mated to a standard 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. The Vibe GT model features a high-tech 1.8L 4-cylinder 180-hp engine with variable valve timing and lift. The GT is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Jointly conceived by GM and Toyota, the 2003 Vibe will be built at GM and Toyotas' New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. assembly plant in Fremont, California. Order banks are currently open and fleet production is scheduled to begin in late January 2002.

DSR, available in the spring of 2002, is a selectable damping control system that responds to the driver's input. The driver can control ride characteristics with the flip of a switch to stiffen the shock valving and improve vehicle and trailer handling, or select the normal condition to maximize ride comfort when the trailer is removed. The stand-alone system incorporates a patented solenoid valve design that switches between two independent valving disk stacks to provide the unique ability to change shock damping. DSR is designed for dual-purpose vehicles, and provides superior ride and load capability over conventional shock absorbers.

The system was developed with OEM design techniques and hardware. A monotube reservoir design maximizes heat dissipation and the overall system has a low current draw and little affect on fuel economy. Installation is simple, requiring no specialty tools.

DSR was awarded Popular Mechanic's 2001 Editor's Choice Award at AAPEX.

XM Satellite Radio offers 100 channels made up of 71 music channels (more than 30 of them commercial-free), and 29 news, sports and talk channels. For $9.99 per month, drivers can enjoy listening to digital quality sound without interruption from coast to coast.

The system is currently available as an option on 2002 Cadillac DeVilles and Sevilles only, but GM plans to expand availability to over 20 other models in 2003

•      90 percent of all deer/car collisions occur between dusk and dawn, pay close attention to your surroundings during this time.
•      Fall mating season poses the greatest danger for both deer and motorists. Take extra precaution while driving during the months of October through December, however, be aware that deer/car collisions can occur during any season, at any time of day.
•      Use special caution in those areas marked with deer crossing signs, they were probably posted due to excessive incidents of deer/car collisions in the area.
•      If you see one deer, expect others. Deer seldom run alone. Slow down immediately and be on high alert.
•      Continually scan the fields and area adjacent to the roadway for deer. Open fields and clearings tend to be hot spots for grazing herds.
•      Exercise extra precaution when driving through a newly developed area or on a new highway. Deer activity may be especially high in these areas due to loss of habitat.
•      Use high beams during hours of darkness when no traffic is approaching. The high beams will illuminate the eyes of the animals allowing for greater reaction time.
•     Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten deer away.
•      Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path. Do not swerve as it can confuse the deer about where to run. Swerving can also cause you to lose control and hit a tree or another vehicle.
•     If your vehicle strikes a deer, do not touch the animal. The frightened animal, while attempting to move, could hurt you or itself. The best procedure is to get your vehicle off the road and call the police, or 911 if you are injured.